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Science & Technology

Best way to solve a problem is to sleep on it

By T.K. Randall
November 1, 2010 · Comment icon 11 comments

Image Credit: Massimo Barbieri
Researchers have found that sleeping on a problem may be the best way to come up with a solution.
An experiment was carried out in which two groups of students were asked to pick the ideal car from a selection of imaginary makes, the group that put the decision on the backburner and came back to it later overall made a better choice than the group who had to make a decision right away.
Distracting yourself for a few minutes with something else or, even better putting off the issue until the next day, helps the brain come up with the ideal solution, the study found.


Source: Telegraph | Comments (11)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #2 Posted by .c0000ff00Pain 14 years ago
thank the formula is easy just sleep yey
Comment icon #3 Posted by KnockoutMouse 14 years ago
Many similar studies have been published recently, even more seem to be nearing completion. I find this one rather intriguing, especially considering its implications in regards to the effectiveness of homework among young adults.
Comment icon #4 Posted by merrick 14 years ago
I believe this is true since just a few weeks ago I managed to solve a hard mathematics problem during a dream, that I had beenstruggling to solve the night beore.
Comment icon #5 Posted by farandaway 14 years ago
Unfortunately, I find that when I'm faced with a tough decision I can't sleep.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Sevastiel 14 years ago
Unfortunately, I find that when I'm faced with a tough decision I can't sleep. Because you refuse to let unfinished business go? Hate it when that happens! There've been plenty of times I've puzzled over something until I played the fluttering eyelids head nodding game. Wake up in the morning and suddenly the answer that I'd mulled over for so long the day before is simple. There's definitely something to it. The mind keeps working at our problems if we feel strongly enough about them.
Comment icon #7 Posted by farandaway 14 years ago
Because you refuse to let unfinished business go? Hate it when that happens! There've been plenty of times I've puzzled over something until I played the fluttering eyelids head nodding game. Wake up in the morning and suddenly the answer that I'd mulled over for so long the day before is simple. There's definitely something to it. The mind keeps working at our problems if we feel strongly enough about them. Like a dog with a bone. LOL But, I know once you relax and let something quit 'eating' at you, the solutions come easier.
Comment icon #8 Posted by VampireHeart 14 years ago
I can agree with this. Taking a walk and smoking a cigarette also helps for me:tu:
Comment icon #9 Posted by The Face of Bow 14 years ago
Hence the saying : "Go sleep on it"
Comment icon #10 Posted by SolarPlexus 14 years ago
Yup yup this is so true
Comment icon #11 Posted by Ozner 14 years ago
I find that my near-constant procrastination can actually be helpful sometimes. If I go for a walk and think about what I need to do for a while I will often come up with a solution. If I tried to do whatever it is right away I might screw up and not do as well.


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